Paul W. Bryant wins state track championship

Staff reports

Published: Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 3:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 11:41 p.m.

GULF SHORES | Paul W. Bryant High School claimed its first state track and field championship as the boys team won the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 5A title on Saturday in Gulf Shores.

“It’s an outstanding feeling,” said Stampede coach Timothy L. Martin, who is in his sixth season coaching the team. “The athletes and the coaches worked extremely hard to get to this point. Everybody stayed focused and went out there with a singular purpose, to compete and do their part for the team.”

Paul W. Bryant scored 57.33 total points. The top three teams found Fort Payne second with 52 points and Homewood third with 44.33 points.

“We had a lot of leadership,” said Martin, whose team of about 30 student-athletes includes six seniors. “They realized what could be done and worked really hard to see what they could accomplish.”

Scorers on the boys team included Ryan Richardson who placed first in the 300 meter hurdles and third in the 110 meter hurdles.

Harrison Dudley finished second in the 400 meters and third in the 200 meters.

Evante Linebarger placed second in the 800 meters and eighth in the 1600 meters. Carlos Moore was third in triple jump.

Cor’Doraius Washington placed eight in high jump.

The 4x800 relay team of Charles White, Deqweyea Davis, Henry Hargress and Linebarger placed seventh, and the 4x400 relay team composed of Jamarcus Howard, Richardson, Linebarger and Dudley finished first.

The Paul W. Bryant girls also competed in the state meet on Saturday. They finished 13th. St. Paul’s was first with Scottsboro second.